1. Wash and soak dal and rice together in plenty of water overnight.
2. Drain, grind to a soft batter, a fine grain should be felt in it.
3. Do not make the batter thin. It should be thick enough to shape vadas.
4. Add all ingredients and beat well with hand to incorporate air.
5. Heat oil, wet palm and take an idli sized lump on fingers palm side up.
6. Make a hole in the middle with thumb.
7. Slip gently into hot oil, repeat for more.
8. Or use a medhu vada press.
9. Fry 5-6 at a time on medium flame.
10. Drain, serve hot with chutney and sambar, or accompany with idli.

Making time: 1 hour (excluding soaking & grinding time)

Makes: 35-40 vadas.

Shelflife: To store batter for 2 days, refrigerate without adding any other ingredients. Add just before making, and continue as above.

Note:

• If you find it difficult to make the shape, you can use a piece of plantain leaf to make the shape and then invert it into the hot oil.
• Substitute red chillies for green chillies for a different taste.
• Add one onion while grinding the dal to get a very crisp and tasty vadas.